Star Fields

Chapter No.97. Digital Hell

Chapter No.97. Digital Hell

Electrons are dangerous.

The next day, I was ready to attempt a journey into our main computer core array, which is composed of several million quantum processors fed data by means of several billion fiber cables that were thinner than a human hair. In fact, they were not much larger than a molecule in diameter. I would have to shrink down to nanobot size in order to penetrate this complex system.

The main question I had was how it was possible to shrink down to that tiny size and still retain all of my wits and functionality. As it turned out, size is only relative when one considers the quantum world.

After shrinking and then teleporting into the massive array of fiber cables, I found myself in a peculiar situation. I had to constantly dodge photons shooting at the speed of light. However, I had one advantage. I could ride a photon as if it were a flying horse. I simply jumped on a passing photon and rode it at the speed of light to the processor core array. It was a wild ride, but it prepared me for the task ahead.

Each processor was doing what processors had always done in two steps; fetch data and execute instructions. In this case each of these processors were processing many billions of these instructions per second and there were billions of them doing it simultaneously. There was no way that I was going to gain control over this literal explosive process.

What I needed to do was get to the central core processor that contained the operating system process because it controlled all of the billions of processors. However, this processor was operating at the quantum level and it was capable of processing trillions upon trillions of instructions per second.

I had one advantage that allowed me to read the code that controlled this central core processor. I could discern the operating system code while it was still in the main core memory. Even though there were billions of instructions, I could go through them and search for errant code.

As it turns out, I did find some code that was irrelevant and in error. Using my ability to manipulate matter at the quantum level, I was able to dissect this code and remove it.

When I popped back into the macro world on the command deck, I was greeted by joyous cheers.

"You have demonstrated that you are capable of penetrating a collective system, Jason," Judy told me. "You must use this ability to convert Tyco's system."

"Hopefully, his system doesn't have a barrier that I can't overcome."

"You have the power to overcome anything," she said, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Her reaction made me think that I was just a pawn in a much greater scheme.

Later that evening, we gathered as usual in my quarters to enjoy supper. I served them a dinner of prime sirloin, mashed potatoes and broccoli with a Pinot Noir to complement it.

"Why do you do the cooking when you're the prime mover?" Vince asked me.

I shrugged. "I guess it's because I like to cook. It seems the human thing to do."

"Speaking of being human, we women would like to wear that lingerie that you made for us when we gather in your living area," Alicia said.

I squinted. "That doesn't make sense. You're not retiring to your beds at that time."

"It makes perfect sense. We want to feel like human females and those outfits fit that need."

I shrugged. "Okay, I have no objection. You may wear anything you wish. We don't have a uniform code here because I refuse to conform to some stringent military regulation. We are not a government branch and never will be. I'm open to all ideas about everything."

"But yet you are the prime mover and can make us do anything you wish," Alexa said.

"I have no intentions of imposing upon any of you. I consider you my team members, and I need your expertise to help me pacify the universe without engaging in destructive wars. I realize that this is an idealistic concept but there is no reason why we can't attempt to apply it. I don't want to destroy living beings just because I don't agree with their ideas or culture. All I want to do is bring peace to a universe that has seen way too much war and species annihilation."

"We applaud your goal of achieving peace. You are our leader and we must obey you."

"Yes, but I want you to feel fulfilled in what you're doing. I don't know, maybe that's not possible living in android bodies. However, there is nothing wrong with trying to be human."

Alexa stood up. "Okay, we women will be right back as soon as we get comfortable."

"I could achieve that without you going to the trouble of removing your clothing and putting on the lingerie."

"No, we would rather do it the normal way, if you don't mind."

I held up my hands, palms out. "I understand."

After the women left, Alex, Vince and I enjoyed another glass of wine.

"I must say, the women have regressed back to their human tendencies," Vince said.

"I suppose it's because they know they can become pregnant," Alex said.

"I just hope they don't go too far with this tendency," I said.

When the women returned, they were still wearing their normal clothing. I immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"Marie is ready to deliver her baby," Molly said, her eyes beaming excitement.

Alex, Vince and I jumped up and followed Molly to the medical station where the androids had already prepped Marie for delivery. Being experienced with childbirth, Marie simply grunted, and the baby slid out into an android's hands.

"Well, that was a lot smoother than my other two deliveries," Marie smiled. "I could get used to this."

"I'm not sure that multiple deliveries are a good idea," I said.

Ellen, the android who helped with the delivery had a different opinion. "Giving birth is easy, Jason. There is no limit to the number we females can give birth to."

That made me wonder if this was what the androids wanted all along. Were they always plotting to dominate by means of sheer numbers? That thought made me nervous.

We never did gather in my living area that evening. They women were too excited by Marie's delivery of a new android baby, which she named Evan. She didn't consult me about that, and it was okay by me.